Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them

Pretty much everyone who has been away on holiday has a story to tell about getting ripped off at some point on their travels.

More often that not these incidents involve losing nothing more than a few euros and a bit of dignity, but the experience for some can draw a dark cloud over a whole holiday.

So what are the most common scams that you might encounter and what are the best ways to avoid falling for them?

Taxi Scams

From the airport…

Taxi drivers have a reputation the world over for their unscrupulous antics, and nowhere are they more likely to help separate you from your cash than on the trip from the airport to your hotel. You’re probably tired after your flight, dressed in the wrong clothes for the weather and keen to get to your room and unpack as soon as possible: they see you coming.

The golden rule is never get into a cab unless you agree a price upfront or there is a working meter (if you’re expecting a ride ‘on the meter’, confirm this with the driver before you start).

It’s easy nowadays to look up on the internet the typical price of a taxi for the journey from the airport, so you should be alert when a taxi driver is trying it on with you; don’t be shy about walking away if it doesn’t feel right.

In many airports there are now official taxis with set rates; the rates are often a little bit more expensive than the touts may offer, but are regulated and from my experience the drivers are very wary of being reported by an unhappy passenger and risking their licence.

Around town…

While taking short trips around town, again insist on the meter being switchedon (‘meter not working’ is a common fib around the world) or negotiate a sensible fare before getting in the cab.

Restaurant Scams

Paying the bill…

At the end of a good meal it’s tempting to just drop your credit card on the silver plate (or hand it to the waiter) without scrutinising the bill. It’s good to have a rough idea in your mind about what the bill should come to so that you can tell when a rogue item or two have been added. It’s remarkable how many times I’ve sent back a bill and the waiter has mumbled an apology for the brandy or the extra starter that somehow found its way onto the tab.

Ordering the wine…

Here in Britain we tend to just order the ‘house wine’ and expect it to be the cheapest. But that’s not always the case abroad. If you’re not specific there’s every chance you’ll be served a more expensive wine, and once the waiter has (all too eagerly) opened the bottle, it can be difficult to change your mind. So be sure to ask for a wine-list first, just so you know what you’re ordering and how much it will cost.

Street Scams

Free gifts and souvenirs…

Beware anyone offering you a free gift. Whether it’s a ring on your finger (Paris), a string around your wrist (Athens), a religious book (London) or a flower on your shirt (Venice), passively accepting these ‘free’ gifts from strangers will result in a prolonged and often unpleasant demand for your cash. Simply say no and walk away when approached by people offering you worthless gifts and save yourself a lot of hassle.

Money-making tricks…

I can’t believe how many people fall for the playing card or ‘pea under a cup’ tricksters, but I see it time and time again. They will typically be doing their trick, where you have to guess where the King of Hearts is, or under which cup the pea is hidden. You’ll guess it right every time while you watch and you’ll see three or four people taking money off the scamster. They are his stooges and the whole operation is designed to fool you into believing that you can make easy money. Only one person is ever going to win such an exchange and it’s not going to be you.

Distraction tactics…

Another common trick is to distract you (by accidentally bumping into you then apologising, or telling you that you have bird poo on the back of your jacket); while your attention is elsewhere, someone is rifling through your pockets. A seasoned pro will be able to clean out your wallet before you know anything has happened. Do not stop when a stranger approaches you and offers help for a dubious reason like this.

Too good to be true?

There are countless ways that determined scammers can try and trick you into handing over your cash. It pays to be vigilant, but at the same time an excessively paranoid approach will prevent any interaction with local people – surely one of the highlights of a holiday. Strike a balance, feel free to talk to others, but remember that if something appears too good to be true, it usually is.

What travel scams or rip-offs have you experienced on your travels? Go ahead and share your stories below…